So I’ve had two days to absorb it. It is a worthy entry into the Tool canon. Lateralus remains #1, but Fear Inoculum is pushing Aenima for 2nd place. It’s expansive, subdued yet urgent and spacious. Danny Carey cements himself as the best drummer in all of rock, and Adam Jones expands his pallet, and as
@Skjeikspeare noted, Justin Chancellor is the underrated hero. Maynard’s vocals are mature as is his lyrical approach. Everything fits into place from start to finish, as the album steadily builds to the climax on 7empest. The aforementioned track, along with Pneuma and Descending are my favorite tracks, but, there isn’t really a flawed track. Even the drum excursion, Chocolate Chip Trip, with it’s obvious nod to King Crimson, has purpose. The flow of the album is only exceeded by Lateralus, but where as that album had a more aggressive and intense build, Fear Inoculum has a slower but steadier escalation of burn. Yes, there are echoes of prior Tool, especially ideas from 10,000 Days. But, the feel is that these ideas are built upon and not simply used as a crutch. 7empest alone is worth the price of admission. I’m thrilled...give me more and don’t take 13 years next time.